Mind by Design

02/09/2026

Does your child have brilliant ideas but struggle to get them onto paper? Or maybe they can decode every word on a page, but they cannot seem to remember what they just read?

We live in an incredible era where technology can bridge these gaps. Assistive technology is not about giving a student an "unfair advantage." It is about providing the right tools so they can show what they actually know, rather than being held back by their learning differences.

From speech-to-text tools that capture thoughts for a struggling writer to audiobooks that help a student with dyslexia access grade-level science or history, these tools change the game. Even simple font modifications or digital graphic organizers can be the difference between a student feeling defeated and feeling capable.

The key is matching the specific tool to your child's unique brain. What works for a student with ADHD might be very different from what helps a student with a nonverbal learning disability. At The Mind by Design, we help families identify these specific needs through comprehensive evaluations, ensuring that the technology actually solves the problem rather than adding more clutter.

Is your child using the right tools to reach their full potential?

Read our latest blog, Assistive Technology Tools That Make a Difference for Students with Learning Differences, to explore the software and devices that are transforming the classroom experience.

Which piece of technology or app has been a "lifesaver" for your child’s schoolwork? Leave us a comment below!

Which assistive technology tools actually help students with learning differences? Discover practical tech solutions for reading, writing, organization, and more.

02/08/2026

Our Morgan Hill location is coming along nicely! Milton’s happy! 😃

02/06/2026

If your child dreads homework, complains of stomachaches before school, or has meltdowns that seem "too big" for the situation, you might be seeing more than just typical behavior. For many children with learning differences, anxiety is a natural response to a world that was not designed for their brains.

Imagine working twice as hard as everyone else and still falling behind. Over time, the brain starts to associate school with stress, triggering a "fight or flight" response before the child even opens their backpack. This cycle is exhausting, especially for bright children who work hard to mask their struggles just to fit in.

Anxiety often shows up in specific patterns. Performance anxiety occurs when the pressure of a timed test makes a child's mind go blank, even if they know the material. Perfectionism happens when a child becomes so afraid of making a mistake that they cannot even start a project. Finally, avoidance might look like refusing to go to school or participate in class to escape the feeling of drowning.

At The Mind by Design, we know that you cannot fix the academic struggles without also supporting the emotional toll. A comprehensive evaluation can help uncover the root cause, allowing us to build a plan that addresses both the learning gaps and the anxiety. When a child feels understood and supported, the cycle begins to break, and the joy of learning can return.

Is your child's anxiety tied to their learning experience?

Read our latest blog, The Connection Between Learning Differences and Anxiety, to learn how to spot these patterns and find a path toward relief for your family.

What is one "early warning sign" you notice in your child when they are feeling overwhelmed by school? Leave us a comment below!

Is your child's anxiety linked to their learning differences? Discover how ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning profiles create anxiety and what you can do to help.

02/04/2026

If your child is struggling in school, you have likely heard the terms IEP and 504 plan tossed around. While they both aim to help students succeed, they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference is the first step in getting your child the right support.

Think of it this way: a 504 plan is about access. It levels the playing field by providing accommodations, like extra time on tests or a quiet place to work, so a student can access the same curriculum as their peers. An IEP, on the other hand, is about specialized instruction. It is for students who need a modified way of learning altogether, complete with specific goals and specialized services like speech or occupational therapy.

The legal side is different, too. IEPs are governed by special education law (IDEA), while 504 plans fall under civil rights law. This affects everything from who qualifies to how much "say" a parent has in the process. Whether your child needs a more accessible environment or a totally individualized learning path, knowing which "door" to knock on makes all the difference in your advocacy.

Confused about which path is right for your child?

Read our latest blog, Understanding the Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans, to break down the legal requirements and help you prepare for your next school meeting.

If your child has one of these plans, what is one accommodation that has made the biggest difference in their school day? Leave us a comment below!

Confused about IEPs and 504 plans? Learn which support plan fits your child's needs and how to navigate the qualification process effectively.

02/03/2026

Now that we are at the beginning of February and the holiday season feels like a distant memory, the reality of the second semester has likely set in. By now, the "new year" energy has faded, and you might be seeing how your child is truly settling back into the classroom.

For many families, especially those with neurodivergent children, the weeks following a long break reveal where the "rust" has settled on executive function skills. You might notice that while the decorations are long gone, the struggle with early mornings, homework endurance, and organization is still very much present.

The transition back to school is not just about a change in schedule. It is about rebuilding the neural pathways required for task initiation and time management. If your child is still struggling to find their rhythm, it is a great time to reflect on what worked and what did not during this past transition.

At The Mind by Design, we believe that every school break is an opportunity to learn more about your child's unique needs. While this transition is behind us, the strategies for rebuilding routines are invaluable for every long weekend or spring break on the horizon.

How has your child handled the first month back in the classroom?

Read our latest blog, Setting Your Child Up for Success After Winter Break, to see how these tips can help you navigate the current semester and prepare for the next school break.

What is one thing you noticed about your child's routine this month that you would like to improve before the next break? Leave us a comment below!

Struggling with the transition back to school after winter break? Learn practical strategies to help your child with learning differences ease into the new semester.

02/02/2026

This is exactly what we work on in executive function coaching. We help kids build the skills they need to manage routines with increasing independence, and we help parents create systems that reduce daily stress for everyone.

If routines feel like a constant battle in your home, you're not alone, and there are real strategies that can help.

01/20/2026

Winter break is wonderful, and going back to school after time off can feel rough for everyone.

If your child has ADHD or executive function challenges, transitions like this can be especially hard. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way.

Here's to a smooth start to the new year!

01/16/2026

If your child is anxious about school, it's worth asking why.

Here's what we know. When children have unidentified learning differences like ADHD, dyslexia, or processing challenges, school becomes exhausting. The anxiety is valid, and it deserves attention.

If your child's anxiety seems connected to school or learning, let's talk. Understanding is the first step toward real change.

01/12/2026

Happy New Year and happy six years for MBD! Love this team of inspired and compassionate women!

01/11/2026

One of the most common questions we hear from parents: What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

Both are legally binding documents that ensure your child gets what they need to succeed. The key difference is that an IEP involves specialized instruction while a 504 focuses on removing barriers through accommodations.

Have questions about the evaluation process or next steps? Send us a message or give us a call. We're here to help you navigate this with clarity and confidence.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Mind by Design! 2026 is here, and we're so excited about what this year will bring for the families we serve.

Here's to a year of growth, breakthroughs, and celebrating neurodiversity! Ready to get started?

12/24/2025

Happy Holidays from the Mind by Design team!

As this year winds down, we want to take a moment to say thank you.

Thank you for trusting us with your most precious people, and thank you for celebrating their strengths and supporting them through challenges.

This work... It's an honor. Truly. We wish you all the best in this festive season.